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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

NAIAS 2015: Honda/Acura Brings Back NSX with Hybrid V6 Power, AWD

Honda, through its US luxury division, Acura showed off the production NSX at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Developed and set to be built in the US, the all-new NSX sets an entirely new direction from the everyday supercar that was discontinued in 2005.
Although technical specifications have not be revealed entirely, the all-new NSX is powered by a longitudinally-mounted, turbocharged, dry-sump V6 that produces an excess of 550 horsepower. This will be assisted by three electric motors (two in front, one in the back) to deliver power to all four wheels. Power is then transmitted to a 9-speed dual clutch automatic. Indeed, the NSX eschews the traditional rear-wheel drive set-up for a mid-engine, all-wheel drive configuration with the company’s SH-AWD or Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

The production version is slightly wider, taller, and longer than the concept version and features numerous cooling units for the highly potent drivetrain (ten actually). The body is made up of an exotic multi-material, aluminum-extensive chassis that incorporates a first-ever casting system that delivers the strength and ductility of forged metal. A carbon fiber floor provides a strong foundation as well. Braking comes courtesy of six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brakes.

The original NSX was often criticized for being a great driver’s car but a bit anonymous on the road. The new NSX aims to change that. It’s designed to turn heads and should make for a formidable competitor to the likes of the Porsche 911 and even the Ferrari 458 Italia. It loses the concept car’s numerous scoops and vents for a cleaner, more aerodynamic look.

The all-new NSX will have four drive modes: Quiet (EV-only), Sport, Sport+, and Track (the default setting is Sport). Each setting modifies the drivetrain’s response, torque vectoring characteristics (via the twin electric motors upfront), chassis setting, and even engine sound. It will also have a visible structural element inside located around the navigation system and passenger side sandwiched by Alcantara and leather.

Pricing for the NSX is expected in the region of US$ 150,000 (PHP 6.8-million).